muzzle velocity

American  

noun

Ordnance.

1. the speed of a projectile, usually expressed in feet or meters per second, as it leaves the muzzle of a gun.

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muzzle velocity British  

noun

1. the velocity of a projectile as it leaves a firearm's muzzle

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Etymology

Origin of muzzle velocity

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

However, if it is given a higher muzzle velocity, vb, its higher speed carries it farther before it hits the ground at point b.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

This is roughly seven times the speed of sound—and about three times the muzzle velocity of a conventional naval gun.

From Economist • May 7, 2015

They combine the accuracy and added muzzle velocity of a very stable rifle with the firepower of a rapid semiautomatic weapon.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2013

The greater the muzzle velocity, the farther away from the mountain the bullet will land.

From Scientific American • Mar. 4, 2011

The internal pressure of the powder I used, as well as the muzzle velocity of my projectile, were both greater than they should have been.

From Tom Swift and His Giant Cannon, or, the Longest Shots on Record by Appleton, Victor [pseud.]